Institute
IRAM is an international research organisation for millimeter and sub-millimeter astronomy supported by the CNRS (France), the Max-Planck Gesellschaft (Germany), and the IGN (Spain). IRAM operates two world-class research facilities, a 30-meter single-dish telescope (Spain) and the mm/submm interferometer NOEMA (France).
The scientific capabilities of the 30-meter telescope are continuously enhanced with state-of-the-art technology such as for EMIR, a multi-wavelength heterodyne frontend, and the large field-of-view continuum 1mm/2mm camera NIKA2.
The telescope operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, year-round, supported by two data centres, network infrastructure and a diverse range of computing equipment deployed throughout its facilities. These systems must operate reliably while undergoing regular updates and improvements.
Job description
The computer group at IRAM/Granada, Spain, is responsible for:
- the computing and networking facilities at the 30-meter telescope and at the IRAM offices in Granada,
- for the support of operations at the 30-meter telescope, including the control of the telescope and instrumentation and the handling of the astronomical data.
New instrumentation with large bandwidths, multi-pixels, and high sampling rates, put a high demand on synchronization, data processing, and data storage. Remote observations, supervision, and transfer of data to remote sites, place additional demands on the network access.
IRAM seeks a senior SysAdmin to join the Computer Group at Granada. Reporting to the Head of the Computer Group, the successful candidate will participate in the operation, administration, maintenance, hardening, and evolution of IRAM’s computing and network infrastructure.
The position covers servers, virtualization and container platforms, storage systems, network services, monitoring, security and backup infrastructure, as well as desktop and laptop systems.
The position requires work as part of a multi-disciplinary team. Team members collaborate on most projects to meet operational requirements, goals, and deadlines, while autonomy and independent action are frequently required.
On-call service during the day, approximately one weekend a month is required.
Trips to the observatory at 3000 meters on a as-needed basis are also required.
Required profile
– A minimum of 4 years of professional experience in Linux systems administration, with a focus on Debian and Red Hat-based systems.
– A minimum of 2 years of experience in network administration, including Cisco and MikroTik equipment.
– Experience managing virtualisation environments (e.g. Proxmox) and containerised deployments (e.g. Podman).
– Experience managing system backup and recovery operations, using tools such as Bacula or Restic.
– Ability to work at the observatory, located at an altitude of 3,000 metres.
– Excellent command of written and spoken English, with strong communication skills.
Valuable assets
– Experience with Linux and network security, including familiarity with VPN management and with security tools such as IDS/IPS systems.
– Experience with system administration automation using Ansible and configuration management using Git.
– Experience with web application deployment and TLS certificate lifecycle management.
– Experience managing enterprise storage systems, including platforms such as Dell PowerScale, NetApp, and TrueNAS.
– Experience setting up, maintaining, and decommissioning end-user devices, including Linux, macOS, and Windows systems.
– Ability to speak and understand Spanish, or a desire to learn it.
What we offer
The position is offered as a temporary contract for one year to cover a leave of absence with the possibility to transition into a permanent position thereafter.
IRAM offers an inspiring working environment, a competitive salary and social benefits package.
How to apply
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so early submission is encouraged.
Candidates should email a detailed CV and a cover letter explaining their interest in the position, combined into a single PDF file, to the IRAM Personnel Department, for the attention of A. Córdoba (cordoba@iram.es), quoting reference VN 2026/10.
For enquiries about the position, please contact the Head of the Computer Group, A. J. Vázquez (avazquez@iram.es).
Employment at IRAM is open to all nationalities, irrespective of gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, ethnicity, or religion.